Japheth Makau, a longtime cameraman and correspondent for Kenya Television Network (KTN), part of the Standard Group, died Tuesday at Machakos Level 5 Hospital following a period of illness.
Family members confirmed that Mr Makau passed away shortly before 11 a.m. He had been receiving treatment at the hospital, where doctors said they had done everything possible to save him.
Mr Makau, who joined KTN in 2009 as a full-time cameraman and Machakos County news correspondent, had been in and out of the hospital in recent days. He was discharged last Friday but readmitted Saturday after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Colleagues paid tribute to Mr Makau as a dedicated professional known for his impactful reporting, including stories on Kenya’s agriculture sector.
Nickko Nyamai, public relations and communications advisor to the Machakos governor, described him as “not just a media colleague, but as a brother.”
“His dedication to truthful, balanced, and impactful reporting stood out,” Mr Nyamai said in a statement. “Machakos County has lost a committed professional, and the media has lost a passionate voice.”
A group of local journalists, led by Daniel Nzia, chairman of the Machakos press association and a former colleague at the Standard Group, visited the hospital after the news broke.
“Makau fought gallantly, but he has lost the battle,” Mr Nzia said.
Condolences have been extended to Mr Makau’s widow and family. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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